Ernest R Begay Candelaria Turquoise Necklace | 9mm Navajo Pearls | 286g Statement Necklace
$6,159.00
Specifications
• Artist: Ernest R. Begay Sr. (ERB)
• Hallmarks: STERLING, ERB
• Stones: Seven Candelaria turquoise cabochons
• Main Stone: Approx. 2.75” x 1.25”
• Smallest Stone: Approx. 1.5” x 1.25”
• Pearls: 9mm Navajo pearls
• Inner Circumference: Approx. 17.5” (without pendant drop)
• Weight: 286 grams
• Construction: Heavy gauge sterling silver
• Core: Sterling foxtail chain
Ernest R. Begay (ERB)
Monumental Candelaria Turquoise & Navajo Pearl Necklace
286 Grams of Diné Silver Mastery
This is weight.
This is balance.
This is legacy in silver.
Handmade by Diné silversmith Ernest R. Begay Sr., this extraordinary necklace continues his commitment to old-style, heavy-gauge Navajo craftsmanship. Stamped STERLING and ERB, it reflects decades of dedication to traditional form executed with contemporary precision.
Born in Kayenta–Chilchinbeto, Arizona, Begay built his reputation on bold silverwork, masterful cluster design, and a reverence for historic Navajo jewelry. His repeated award recognition at major Southwestern exhibitions speaks to the consistency and authority of his work. This necklace was commissioned directly from the artist.
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The Stones – Candelaria Turquoise in Monumental Form
This necklace features seven exceptional Candelaria turquoise cabochons, beautifully graduated in scale.
• Main pendant: approx. 2.75” x 1.25”
• Tapering stones descending in size
• Smallest stone: approx. 1.5” x 1.25”
• Total weight of necklace: 286 grams
• Inner circumference: approx. 17.5 inches
Candelaria turquoise is known for its rich tonal contrast — deep blues layered with warm chocolate and golden webbing. The matrix in these stones is dramatic yet refined, creating movement without visual chaos.
What sets this piece apart is the matching.
Seven stones of this scale, unified in color family and matrix character, are difficult to assemble. The blues and browns transition seamlessly from center outward, creating a natural taper that feels intentional and architectural.
Each cabochon is confidently cut and proportioned, allowing the webbing and depth of color to remain the focal point.
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Silverwork & Setting
Each stone is framed in a precise twisted wire bezel, surrounded by hand-applied rope and bead detailing. The bezels are clean and even, holding the stones securely while allowing the turquoise to dominate visually.
The silver is substantial — true heavy-gauge construction — consistent with Begay’s dedication to old-style weight and presence.
Oxidized finishing enhances dimension while maintaining a refined balance against the bold stones.
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Engineered Stability – Anti-Flip Construction
As with the Royston example, this necklace is thoughtfully engineered.
Each pendant element is secured across the triple strands of Navajo pearls using a sterling stabilizing bar, preventing rotation and keeping the stones forward-facing when worn.
Large-stone necklaces often struggle with balance. This one does not.
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9mm Navajo Pearls with Foxtail Core
The necklace features substantial 9mm Navajo pearls, evenly spaced and proportioned to support the scale of the stones.
Internally, the pearls are strung over a sterling foxtail chain core, providing:
• Structural integrity
• Long-term durability
• Resistance to stretching
• Even weight distribution
At 286 grams, this necklace carries unmistakable presence. It feels as substantial as it looks.